What do you think?
Rate this book
The Guardian of Mercy: How an Extraordinary Painting by Caravaggio Changed an Ordinary Life Today
Now celebrated as one of the great painters of the Renaissance, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio fled Rome in 1606 to escape retribution for killing a man in a brawl. Three years later he was in Naples, where he painted The Seven Acts of Mercy . A year later he died at the age of thirty-eight under mysterious circumstances. Exploring Caravaggio's singular masterwork, in The Guardian of Mercy Terence Ward offers an incredible narrative journey into the heart of his artistry and his metamorphosis from fugitive to visionary.
Ward's guide in this journey is a contemporary artist whose own life was transformed by the painting, a simple man named Angelo who shows him where it still hangs in a small church in Naples and whose story helps him see its many layers. As Ward unfolds the structure of the painting, he explains each of the seven mercies and its influence on Caravaggio's troubled existence. Caravaggio encountered the whole range of Naples's vertical social layers, from the lowest ranks of poverty to lofty gilded aristocratic circles, and Ward reveals the old city behind today's metropolis. Fusing elements of history, biography, memoir, travelogue, and journalism, his narrative maps the movement from estrangement to grace, as we witness Caravaggio's bruised life gradually redeemed by art.
Ward's guide in this journey is a contemporary artist whose own life was transformed by the painting, a simple man named Angelo who shows him where it still hangs in a small church in Naples and whose story helps him see its many layers. As Ward unfolds the structure of the painting, he explains each of the seven mercies and its influence on Caravaggio's troubled existence. Caravaggio encountered the whole range of Naples's vertical social layers, from the lowest ranks of poverty to lofty gilded aristocratic circles, and Ward reveals the old city behind today's metropolis. Fusing elements of history, biography, memoir, travelogue, and journalism, his narrative maps the movement from estrangement to grace, as we witness Caravaggio's bruised life gradually redeemed by art.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2016
113 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 9, 2016
Terence Ward's book "the Guardian of Mercy" is a "treasure trove" that enriches your spirit and understanding of Italian culture, traditions, and, of course, Caravaggio. His colorful and insightful writing is a "rapier" to the soul. As a result of the warm descriptions and imagery there are moments when you feel like you are enjoying cinema ("seeing the book.")
Ward's book actually contains at least a dozen stories and each with an "O'Henry" quality of surprise and wonderment. How do you find models so you can paint the scenes in the "the Acts of Mercy?" .......how do you choose and mix paints ?......how do you escape death ?....... or how do you enthrall the aristocracy?
We know that Caravaggio's paintings and technique established a new dynamic that altered the future of Italian and European art. Ward calls it a "wind of change - authenticity not dreamscapes." Nonetheless, Caravaggio suggests, at the apex of his vulnerability, that "in the end I was the only one who gave and never asked for anything." He was almost like an unwanted baby, an Italian Esposito - exposed to the elements and working in the "shadows" (literally) with his constant flight from powerful sources who wanted him dispatched by whatever means possible.
Reading "the Guardian" Ward underscores the Italian passion for "arrangiarsi" or "the art of making do." More importantly, that Caravaggio was a master of this lifestyle art form. In fact, much of his success and happiness came from "fate"......a roll of the dice or what could be referred to as "life's game of 5 card stud." One must play the hand your dealt. There are no options and extra cards. In this sense, Caravaggio practiced the old Italian admonition to "keep laughing - the worst is yet to come."
Ward's absolutely tender book is a joy to read. In the end it is about perseverance, hope, the mystery of great art and the humane touchstones of our lives. At the beginning of Ward's book a character suggests "non andate vita - don't leave me - listen."
I'm all ears and you will be too !!
Ward's book actually contains at least a dozen stories and each with an "O'Henry" quality of surprise and wonderment. How do you find models so you can paint the scenes in the "the Acts of Mercy?" .......how do you choose and mix paints ?......how do you escape death ?....... or how do you enthrall the aristocracy?
We know that Caravaggio's paintings and technique established a new dynamic that altered the future of Italian and European art. Ward calls it a "wind of change - authenticity not dreamscapes." Nonetheless, Caravaggio suggests, at the apex of his vulnerability, that "in the end I was the only one who gave and never asked for anything." He was almost like an unwanted baby, an Italian Esposito - exposed to the elements and working in the "shadows" (literally) with his constant flight from powerful sources who wanted him dispatched by whatever means possible.
Reading "the Guardian" Ward underscores the Italian passion for "arrangiarsi" or "the art of making do." More importantly, that Caravaggio was a master of this lifestyle art form. In fact, much of his success and happiness came from "fate"......a roll of the dice or what could be referred to as "life's game of 5 card stud." One must play the hand your dealt. There are no options and extra cards. In this sense, Caravaggio practiced the old Italian admonition to "keep laughing - the worst is yet to come."
Ward's absolutely tender book is a joy to read. In the end it is about perseverance, hope, the mystery of great art and the humane touchstones of our lives. At the beginning of Ward's book a character suggests "non andate vita - don't leave me - listen."
I'm all ears and you will be too !!
August 7, 2016
"This entire painting is his cry for forgiveness and compassion in this mad world. But isn't that what we all want?"
The Guardian of Mercy, can't keep its focus. In 200 pages it tries to present a non-critical analysis of a painting that is not particularly notable in the canon of Renaissance art (and may not be even among the best works of its own artist, Caravaggio), a travelog of the city of Naples and a short guide to the cultural history of Italy complete with a commentary on the mafia. It's just too much and too tangential.
The Guardian of Mercy, can't keep its focus. In 200 pages it tries to present a non-critical analysis of a painting that is not particularly notable in the canon of Renaissance art (and may not be even among the best works of its own artist, Caravaggio), a travelog of the city of Naples and a short guide to the cultural history of Italy complete with a commentary on the mafia. It's just too much and too tangential.
January 31, 2025
The bool tells us the story of Caravaggio, especially him painting Seven Acts of Mercy, and at the same time tells us the story of Angelo, a guardian in Naples whose life really changed when one day he got inspired by Caravaggio. Both stories are intertwined and made really well.
This book isn't fiction but it sure felt like one because it was pretty easy and fast to read. I kept reading until it was done because I really got into both stories. Angelo's also tells us a lot about culture and life in Naples
A really informative and touching story. What I read about Caravaggio will stay in my head be cause of the way it was written. A great book that shows how art still affects people in the present.
This book isn't fiction but it sure felt like one because it was pretty easy and fast to read. I kept reading until it was done because I really got into both stories. Angelo's also tells us a lot about culture and life in Naples
A really informative and touching story. What I read about Caravaggio will stay in my head be cause of the way it was written. A great book that shows how art still affects people in the present.
April 16, 2019
Structurally quirky and completely unique, at times overwrought, but at the same time an absolutely wonderful book, almost mystical in its depth. The non-linear Caravaggio story somehow still worked even intertwined with the story of the guardian. I don’t think that this was really an attempt to objectively analyze Caravaggio’s work and it’s not simply a story about modern Naples. It’s just its own thing. I loved it.
March 14, 2016
This is an amazing account of the life of a wonderful artist and an amazing painting and the transformative effect it had on all who came in contact with it. It is a beautiful and inspirational
book that is written from the heart and deserves to be at the top of everyone's reading list.
book that is written from the heart and deserves to be at the top of everyone's reading list.
April 1, 2024
I started out thinking this book was about something else entirely.
Then I was disappointed and almost didn’t finish.
But then it became something better.
Then I was disappointed and almost didn’t finish.
But then it became something better.
April 15, 2016
Great subject (both the artist and sacred artwork) and great locale (Naples). The guardian 's story was also well presented. What detracted from this book was the author's lack of understanding of the faith. He embraces the Pope's call for environmental controls by some pinheads at the UN while saying mankind does not have dominion over the earth and all its creatures...kinda goes against the Word of God. He then publishes his book in hardcover while an ebook would have saved the planet and he jets frequently to Europe around the globe spewing as much carbon as a village does in a year. If he had given it a rest and purely reflected on the works of mercy then it would have been a five star review. As a postscript I was fortunate to view the Carravagio exhibit in Rome while on a pilgrimage. Carrvagios most lasting gift that may permit his entrance into the eternal kingdom of heaven may have occurred after his death. That is frequently the case....the real heroes of this book are the aristocrats that formed the club to serve the needs of the poor (and they did this BEFORE Pope Francis and they did it without fanfare) and perform the works of mercy in real life.
March 16, 2017
I recieved this book through GoodReads First Reads. Amazing piece of writing; I was honestly not eager to get started on this book, but when I got to page 3 I was hooked! As the plot moved along I found myself going back to the cover to find the subtleties of the painting as described. I went from the expectation of boredom to enjoying this book, and I reccomend it as required reading in every school's art class.
February 10, 2024
I love books about a specific works of art that takes you into a journey into history (in this case more of a fantasy, perhaps). In fact, those kind of books are what inspired me to go to see a different work by Caravaggio in Rome.
While the parts written about how Caravaggio painted the work are obviously fiction, the following chapters are written in a journal like style, which left me a bit confused. The story about Angelo, I thought it was real until deep into the book, and then thought to myself this drama can’t be real, but by the end of the book the author writes on the epilogue about the people he met and their current jobs, and even adds a photo of the supposed to be Guardian. So is it real? Is it reality with a big amount of his creative writing? What person would want his personal intimate details of life be published like that?
One can claim that the book is full of stigmas about Italians, or that it reads a bit as a young-adult book, but by all means I’m not saying it’s wrong, opposite. i’ve actually learned a lot of new details about this painting, along with some interesting interpretations, and the writing is fluent is easy and carry you on with infecting passion about art, history, and of course, Caravaggio.
While the parts written about how Caravaggio painted the work are obviously fiction, the following chapters are written in a journal like style, which left me a bit confused. The story about Angelo, I thought it was real until deep into the book, and then thought to myself this drama can’t be real, but by the end of the book the author writes on the epilogue about the people he met and their current jobs, and even adds a photo of the supposed to be Guardian. So is it real? Is it reality with a big amount of his creative writing? What person would want his personal intimate details of life be published like that?
One can claim that the book is full of stigmas about Italians, or that it reads a bit as a young-adult book, but by all means I’m not saying it’s wrong, opposite. i’ve actually learned a lot of new details about this painting, along with some interesting interpretations, and the writing is fluent is easy and carry you on with infecting passion about art, history, and of course, Caravaggio.
December 29, 2018
Interesting details of Caravaggio and his painting Works of Mercy which is in a church in Naples. The author and his wife live in Italy and on a visit to Naples, see the painting and meet with the 'guardian' who explains the painting to them. They continue their friendship with him for many years. The book is beautifully written but I gave only 3 stars because I don't think the author can understand Italians (even though his wife is Italian) because he believes Jesus to be 'the infant god'. If you miss the faith of Italians in God, and Jesus as the second Person of the Trinity, plus the Virgin Mary and all the Saints you just won't get it. Still, he had many insights into the people and culture of Napoli and he did get the 'acts of mercy' as part of the Catholic faith. There is hope for him and his wife to eventually believe that Jesus is the only God who became incarnate to save us.
July 7, 2021
An extraordinary book for our times.
Something led me to this book at this time. I knew the name Caravaggio from mention in the movie The English Patient, and had seen a movie from 1968? but not much about his work but his troubles. I started another book about him by chance by Francine Prose in more detail about him, so it complicated the Ward book. I liked how the author kept to this one painting and moved back and forth in time so well, with the personal story of the Guardian. I've never been to Italy and probably never will,or see a Caravaggio painting in the flesh,but was satisfied by reading this book and its message for today's world. I see a 2020 film is on Amazon Prime so will go look for it.
Something led me to this book at this time. I knew the name Caravaggio from mention in the movie The English Patient, and had seen a movie from 1968? but not much about his work but his troubles. I started another book about him by chance by Francine Prose in more detail about him, so it complicated the Ward book. I liked how the author kept to this one painting and moved back and forth in time so well, with the personal story of the Guardian. I've never been to Italy and probably never will,or see a Caravaggio painting in the flesh,but was satisfied by reading this book and its message for today's world. I see a 2020 film is on Amazon Prime so will go look for it.
January 3, 2022
Hard to believe this book is nonfiction. Author describes emotions of a near-stranger to such a degree that one feels he is making it up. Anyway, I didn't believe it.
Mr Ward seems to idolize Pope Francis. Nothing wrong with that I guess but it is odd that he expresses this in a book about Naples and Caravaggio. In fact, for absolutely no reason at all he ends the book on Pope Francis and his supposedly good works with the environment and reforming the church.
Oh. I was also surprised to learn that the US Army "invaded" Naples in 1943 and it is primarily responsible for the hold the mafia has on that city to this very day. Presumably Mr Ward wishes this "invasion" never took place.
Mr Ward seems to idolize Pope Francis. Nothing wrong with that I guess but it is odd that he expresses this in a book about Naples and Caravaggio. In fact, for absolutely no reason at all he ends the book on Pope Francis and his supposedly good works with the environment and reforming the church.
Oh. I was also surprised to learn that the US Army "invaded" Naples in 1943 and it is primarily responsible for the hold the mafia has on that city to this very day. Presumably Mr Ward wishes this "invasion" never took place.
June 4, 2017
With Beauty Find Truth
An unanticipated journey into life as much as art. A call to look carefully into each corner. And a call for a better world through equality and justice. An inspirational book for being simple, authentic without the art connoisseur's pedantic pretension.
I've seen most of the Caravaggio paintings from Rome to Sicily to Malta, and the first display of The Taking of Christ in Boston, but newer the masterpiece in Naples. Now I have a reason to return to Napoli. And for pizza margherita.
An unanticipated journey into life as much as art. A call to look carefully into each corner. And a call for a better world through equality and justice. An inspirational book for being simple, authentic without the art connoisseur's pedantic pretension.
I've seen most of the Caravaggio paintings from Rome to Sicily to Malta, and the first display of The Taking of Christ in Boston, but newer the masterpiece in Naples. Now I have a reason to return to Napoli. And for pizza margherita.
July 13, 2018
While the book was informative and descriptive of the process of painting the painting, much of the rest of the story included superfluous notes about the town and the lives of the people in them, past just the point that they are similar to the characters in the painting. Not as many parallels can be drawn from Angelo to Caravaggio as Ward thinks, and he too often attempts to paint himself, along with his wife, Idanna, as heroic saviors of Angelo.
November 10, 2021
Excellent! To be able to take a wondrous artistic masterpiece and write two engaging stories around it that explain the painting, the painter, and the city he painted in (Naples) is a a masterful work. We learn about Caravaggio, his life, his works and the patrons who gave him the contract to paint The Seven Mercies. We also learn about those Patron’s work serving the poor, about Napoli history and current affairs. I will certainly read the author’s other work. A triumph!
June 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this book about a specific Caravaggio painting. The author crafted a fictionalized historical retelling of how the painting came to be, juxtaposed with his actual current-day interactions with a guard who watches over the painting. The combination of historical and modern insights added interest and kept things moving. I’d like to read this author’s other book, just because I liked his tone so much!
December 26, 2022
Can’t tell which parts are real, which stories are romanticized. Still the book succeeds in illuminating Caravaggio’s history, a painting’s creation, and the complex city of Naples. Although I missed out on seeing the masterpiece that the book covers, I saw the Flagellation of Christ in Capodimonte and Boy with a Basket of Fruit in Villa Borghese, sparking my interest in the maestro, which the author has thankfully further expanded.
June 6, 2021
Great art story History of great art in a modern setting with great heart
I will read this book again as i do with those books i truly enjoy. When i return to Italy (Venice) I must now travel to see this painting. Very enjoyable reading with a mix of art history, a travel story and the impact of good people by great art and lessons from above Passion in many forms
I will read this book again as i do with those books i truly enjoy. When i return to Italy (Venice) I must now travel to see this painting. Very enjoyable reading with a mix of art history, a travel story and the impact of good people by great art and lessons from above Passion in many forms
December 5, 2023
More like 3.5 ⭐️. I put this book in my TBR list at the recommendation of one friend to another. They were traveling to Italy on vacation & she suggested it. I might have rated this higher if I knew anything about Italian art. I enjoyed the back and forth between the artist’s story & the current day story. Just wasn’t a page turner. If you are planning a trip to Naples, you might enjoy it.
May 17, 2017
Be touched
The weaving of the story of Caravaggio with the life of the ordinary man who "guards" the painting of the seven mercies will captivate the reader. Many will see the divinity of each of us unfold as well.
The weaving of the story of Caravaggio with the life of the ordinary man who "guards" the painting of the seven mercies will captivate the reader. Many will see the divinity of each of us unfold as well.
October 10, 2021
Interesting account of one man's devotion to a Caravaggio painting. The text covers both the making of the painting and some of Caravaggio's life as well as the story of its present guardian in a small church in Naples.
August 4, 2025
Fantastic
A very interesting story about one Caravaggio, and a fun way to learn more about the artist. I particularly enjoyed learning how he would get this models. There was a lot about Naples here too. Highly recommended.
A very interesting story about one Caravaggio, and a fun way to learn more about the artist. I particularly enjoyed learning how he would get this models. There was a lot about Naples here too. Highly recommended.
July 17, 2017
More memoir than art history. A little unfocused. Beautifully illustrated.
March 27, 2018
bought in Florence
October 26, 2018
Beautifully written if a little heavy on all things Italian.
December 13, 2016
It's an introspective travelogue combined with art history. I enjoyed it. It had beautiful visuals. I don't know if the curator is a non-fictional or not. He's a little on point for the story, if you know what I mean. But still art is always one of the best ways to look at humanity. The best art is good for looking at humanity for all time and the Seven Virtues is a well chosen lens. I won't say there were any earth-shattered revelations in it beyond learning more of Caravaggio's life, but it's definitely worth the read.
July 12, 2016
An interesting book (with great quotes from people like Carl Jung and Pablo Neruda), concerned with the life of Caravaggio and his painting, The Seven Mercies. I enjoyed it, and it gave me new appreciation for an artist I already revere, but I did think it was a bit padded. Having said that, I think an abridged version would make a terrific lecture.
December 6, 2016
A 2016 account by the author of his meeting and experiences with
the docent of a famous Caravaggio painting in Naples. He and his wife
are having a long visit to Italy and their focal point ends up being
Angelo. Whose knowledge and analysis of Caravaggio's The Seven Acts
of Mercy painted in 1609. A quite fascinating look at the artist's life
and the history of its reception.
the docent of a famous Caravaggio painting in Naples. He and his wife
are having a long visit to Italy and their focal point ends up being
Angelo. Whose knowledge and analysis of Caravaggio's The Seven Acts
of Mercy painted in 1609. A quite fascinating look at the artist's life
and the history of its reception.
March 9, 2016
The title promises a bit more than it can deliver (why do so many book titles promise that this or that "changed....." but what is at the core of this book is an intelligent, passionate, critique of a great painting: thow and why of its creation.
Want to read
April 6, 2016Came across this book in National Catholic Reporter article about Caravaggio's influence on Pope Francis. http://ncronline.org/news/art-media/c...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews